Blog for those who are interested in Czech genealogy, who have ancestors in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Old scripts (fonts)

There are two types of scripts used in Czech registries. Older one is humanistic cursive which is related to our writing, newer one is kurrent (or neo-gothic cursive) which has different lines and draws.

Humanistic cursive was used in Latin records (whole time) and in Czech records since the 2nd half of 19th century. This script is based on Latin script and is very near to the handwriting scripts we are using today. It is easier to read and we are able to handle it more or less without problems.

Neo-gothic cursive, also called kurrent, is different script. It has it's origin at the end of medieval ages. It is used in Czech documents since beginning of 16th century and it was used for Czech and German records. The lines of this script are bit different from the humanistic cursive and therefor are harder to read because the lines of the script are not natural for us.

It is recommended to try to write in the kurrent script to learn how the lines of the letter were going. Thanks to it you'll be able to choose the correct letter, because sometimes the letters looks one like another. Here is a table of this script (click for higher resolution):

This table is composed by calligraphic form of the letters. You must take into account that not all vicars and their cooperators used the calligraphic form. The writing was also changing, one person uses another style in 25 years and another in 60 years of age. It needs lots of training to be able to read in the registries.

9 comments:

That is a very handy chart. I spent a day going thru searches and links to find one similar.

The old records I am searching are written in Current even here in Pittsburgh Pennsuylvania USA. It is just like today, although you have the records there are different writing styles in the same alphabet.

Nice handy chart that I've printed out and have on my note board in by my computer. One other thing that I've done, is I've downloaded some free Kurrent font for my computer and then in a two column page where I have family surnames and many of the Czech first names on both sides of the page. On the left side is our regular type and on the right side is the Kurrent script. Helps me know what I'm looking for as I search through old records online. I got my Kurrent font from fonts101 at http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/Script/57474/18th_Century_Kurrent_Text.aspxbut I'm sure there are other websites that probably have it too. Love your website - it is very helpful.

One of my ancient ancestors has the surname of "Conczella." With the letters "cz" in the name I wonder if the name is basically Czech in origin. My grandfather was living in Rengersdorf, Silesia, Prussia, when I found him. He was born about 1797, where, we don't know. He died in Silesia. Can you help me with this puzzle? Thank you.